What long-term dietary adjustment is often recommended for patients with Addison's Disease?

In patients with Addison's Disease, a long-term dietary adjustment that is often recommended is increased sodium intake. This is important because Addison's Disease leads to insufficient production of hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, which play a critical role in regulating sodium and water balance in the body. The deficiency of aldosterone can result in a loss of sodium, leading to low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) and contributing to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and hypotension.

By increasing sodium intake, patients can help to offset this loss and maintain more stable blood pressure and fluid balance. This dietary adjustment is essential for managing the condition effectively and ensuring that the patient's electrolyte levels remain within a safe range. Additionally, sometimes, physicians may prescribe a sodium chloride (salt) supplement or encourage patients to add more salt to their diets to compensate for the hormone deficit.

In contrast, the other options—such as increased carbohydrate intake, low-fat diet, and high sugar diet—do not specifically address the hormonal imbalances characteristic of Addison's Disease and are not primary dietary recommendations tailored to the management of this endocrine disorder. Thus, increasing sodium intake is the most relevant long-term dietary adjustment for these patients.